For the Braves (6-10, 1-2), Walt Lemon Jr. led the way with 25 points, Tyshon Pickett posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds and Omari Grier and Ka'Darryl Bell each chipped in with 10 points.

Missouri State shot just 40 percent from the field in the first half, including 4-of-12 from 3-point range, as the Bears took a slim lead at the half, 28-27. Bradley shot 45.8 percent from the field and made 3-of-10 shots from beyond the arc in the opening period.

In the second half, the Braves hit on 41.7 percent of their field goal attempts but connected on 5-of-9 from 3-point distance. The Bears converted 60 percent of their shots from the floor, making 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. The teams traded leads for much of the period, but Missouri State pulled ahead for good with just over seven minutes to play.

Bradley stayed within striking distance though and had a chance to send the game to overtime, but Lemon's 3-point try at the buzzer was off the mark and Bears escaped with the victory.